This Mother’s Day, a Tampa family is reflecting on a special tradition that all started at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
- Family of women share special tradition at St. Joseph's
- Grandmother, mother, and granddaughter to give birth at St. Joseph's
- Granddaughter a soon-to-be mom; due date in September
Sitting in one of the lobbies at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital, Mary Jane Martinez, Sharon Romanski, and Lydia Harrell can’t help but feel at home.
"Our family is rooted in Tampa and St. Joseph's has been a big part of our history here," Romanski said.
The three generations of women all share a special connection. Mary Jane, wife of former Governor Bob Martinez, gave birth to Sharon at the old St. Joseph’s Hospital in downtown Tampa in 1958.
"It was a Catholic Hospital, a very premier place to have your children," Martinez said.
Years later, Sharon had Lydia at St. Joseph’s Women’s in 1986, and this September, Lydia will deliver a baby girl in the very same hospital.
"Their support has been tremendous. Being a first time mother and preparing for that is a lot. We have a lot of strong females in my family," Harrell said.
A family of strong females who reflect on their memories of St. Joseph’s with old photo albums, birth certificates, and Lydia even kept the outfit she was brought home in.
"It's super special. My husband was born here too. We love that, we're a local Tampa family, we're big into traditions," Harrell said.
As she prepares to bring her first born into the world, Lydia’s family has some sound advice.
"Patience is a virtue and when that baby wakes up at 2 o' clock in the morning, have a smile on your face," Martinez said.
There’s no doubt, the newest member of the family will be welcomed with an abundance of love.